SASKRIVERS, OUR HERITAGE-OUR LEGACY
FACT SHEET #2 SEPTEMBER, 2012
CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES
Th e South Saskatchewan River and the Saskatchewan River (SaskRivers) were nominated as a Canadian Heritage River by Saskatchewan and Canada in May, 2012. Th e SaskRivers were nominated primarily based on their cultural heritage values, although these are closely linked with its natural heritage and recreation values. Th e cultural heritage values are deemed to be nationally signifi cant and infl uential, and include rare historical and archaeological sites representative of Canada’s history.
Th is fact sheet provides a brief overview of the cultural heritage values that were outlined in the nomination document. You’re encouraged to read the full chapter available on the Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin webpage at: www.saskriverbasin.ca click on Heritage Rivers.
If you are aware of any additional cultural heritage values not covered in the nomination document and that warrant special recognition please contact us at: [email protected]
John Vandall and Ken Lozinsky, Consultants
SaskRivers Cultural Heritage - Th e Past
Th e cultural heritage values are integrally linked with First Nations and Metis life on the prairie, the fur trade era, the early settlement of Saskatchewan and development of the river: Th e following are only 10 of the many outstanding cultural heritage values found along the river: 1. Archaeological sites of spiritual and ceremonial signifi cance to the nomadic inhabitants of the northern plains for over 8,000 years. Th ese sites include medicine wheels, buff alo jumps Mapping medicine wheel at Wanuskewin. and stone effi gies. Saskatoon Local History Room. LH-5054 2. Major trade and travel routes for First Nations and Metis peoples, the transportation of furs to English traders and western exploration using canoes and later York boats and steamboats. 3. Site of at least 18 fur trading posts including Fort a La Corne, established in 1753 and Cumberland House, established in 1774 by Samuel Hearn and now the oldest permanent settlement in Saskatchewan. 4. Other early explorers of the SaskRivers included: Henry Kelsey (1691); Peter Pond (1775); David Th ompson (1786); Alexander Mackenzie (1793); Peter Fidler (1800); and Henry Youle Hind (1858) who fi rst proposed a dam on the South Saskatchewan River near the existing site of Gardiner Dam. 5. Location of fi rst permanent settlements marking the transition of First Métis river lots at Batoche from Nations and Métis people from a hunting/gathering culture to farming. Th e Métis 1880 to 1899 “Th e First Shot Rang Out”, Duck settlements included St. Laurent, Batoche, Fish Creek, Halcro and Adam’s Crossing. Lake Regional Interpretive Centre 6. Diverse settlement histories associated with seasonal Aboriginal sites; Metis river lots, ranching (e.g Th e Matador Land and Cattle Company Limited), homesteading, the Temperance Colonization Society where Saskatoon is now located and 5 First Nations Reserves. 7. Focal point for the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Two battles between the followers of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont and the Government of Canada forces took place at Touround’s Coulee/Fish Creek and Batoche. 8. Steamboat transportation of early settlers, equipment, and dignitaries before the arrival of railways. Th e most common route for the steamboats was from Lake Winnipeg to the Forks (just west of Prince Albert) and on to Edmonton. Th e SS Northcote was used as a gunboat during the confl ict at Batoche. Th e Wreck of the City of Medicine Hat, 1908 Saskatoon Local History Room. LH 438 9. Th e South Saskatchewan River Project, completed in 1967, created a 225 km long reservoir, Lake Diefenbaker, which provides water for hydro-electric power generation, agricultural irrigation, community water supplies, fl ood control, industrial development and recreation. 10. A tradition of trapping, hunting and fi shing along the SaskRivers and the Saskatchewan River Delta, the largest active inland delta in North America.
SaskRivers Cultural Heritage – Today
Th e SaskRivers cultural heritage is intimately linked to life in Saskatchewan now as in the past. Currently the rivers and associated lakes including Diefenbaker, Codette and Tobin Lakes provide: • a clean and reliable water supply for over 50% of Saskatchewan’s population including Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw and irrigation for nearly 10,000 ha. • diverse landscapes and features and a rich history that serves as an inspiration to not only tourists but also to both amateur and professional painters, photographers, poets and musicians. • Sites of paleontological interest where fossil remains are exposed Sagebrush studios and Art Gallery, SW Sask. along the steep walls of the river valley, including a large skeleton of Photo by J. Vandall a mosasaur, a marine reptile, found near Herbert Ferry. • Th e site of numerous events including fi shing derbies, a theatre festival, and “Back to Batoche Days”. • Th e site of historic sites and interpretive centres of provincial and national prominence including Saskatchewan Landing, Meewasin, Wanuskewin, Batoche, and Cumberland House – the oldest community in Saskatchewan • Hunting and fi shing opportunities for Aboriginal use, local sportsmen and outfi tted visitors, including a major waterfowl migration area at Galloway Bay. • Th e opportunity to experience 9 of Saskatchewan’s fl eet of ferries and, in winter, an ice road in southern Saskatchewan at Riverhurst and east of Cumberland House into Manitoba • Th e opportunity for outstanding water-based recreation – canoeing, boating, sailing and fi shing, and associated hiking, hunting and camping at numerous urban, regional and Lemsford Ferry, SW Sask. provincial parks, recreation sites and resort villages. Photo by J. Vandall